Eight overseas horses have been invited to compete in the Cox Plate including Japanese horse Neorealism and reigning Hong Kong Horse of the Year Werther.

Irish horse Highland Reel, third to Winx in the Cox Plate in 2015, and last year’s Caulfield Cup runner-up Scottish are also among the Moonee Valley Racing Club’s invitees.

Japanese Derby winner Makahiki has also been invited to take on Winx as she aims for her third Cox Plate win on October 28.